George William Whitaker (American, 1840-1916) Still Life Oil Painting
Our lovely still life by George William Whitaker (American, 1840-1916) depicts grapes, pears, apricots, melon and bottle vase on a table top. In period giltwood frame. Signed GW WHITAKER and dated 84 (for 1884) in the lower right corner. Stretcher measures 30 by 48.5 inches, and the frame 39 by 57.5 inches.
There is scattered craquelure and signs of inpainting in the upper left corner. There are stretcher marks, particularly visible along the top, and the entire left side of the canvas has ripped at the front corner of the stretcher. Surface is abraded in some spots. There is an old patch on the reverse a bit left of center and about one inch across. Relining the entire canvas would be a smart and relatively inexpensive undertaking to enjoy this fine work. We will be happy to arrange such work here in New York prior to shipment at the buyer's expense. Our recommended conservator is Simon Parkes.
Whitaker is known as the Dean of Providence Painters and the Dean of Rhode Island Artists. He studied with painters of the Hudson River School and is said to have been mentored by George Inness and Alexander Helwig Wyant. In Paris he studied with László Paál in Paris and was influenced by the Barbizon School.
His works can be found in the collections of Brown University and the Newport Art Museum. The exhibition, "The Mind’s Eye: The Art and Influence of George W. Whitaker”, was held from June through October at the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum in Saunderstown, Rhode Island.
